In a riveting night of Champions League action on Tuesday, 14 out of the 16 teams destined for the knockout phase secured their berths, setting the stage for intense battles ahead. Napoli, led by the latest African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, fresh off his African Player of the Year Award win, clinched a convincing 2-0 victory over SC Braga.
The Italian side took an early lead through a comical own goal in the ninth minute, and Osimhen’s unorthodox finish in the 33rd solidified their place in the Round of 16 as runners-up to Group C winners Real Madrid.
Speaking of Real Madrid, they continued their impressive form with a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory against Union Berlin, maintaining a flawless six-win record in the group stage—a feat last achieved during their triumphant 2017-18 Champions League campaign.
However, the night was marred by disappointment for Manchester United, who suffered a painful 1-0 defeat against Bayern Munich at Old Trafford.
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Kingsley Coman’s goal sealed United’s fate, making them the first Premier League side to finish at the bottom of their Champions League group on two occasions.
In a contrasting result, FC Copenhagen secured their Round of 16 spot alongside Bayern Munich with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Galatasaray.
In other key matchups, Arsenal secured the top spot in Group B despite a 1-1 draw against PSV, while Lens triumphed over Sevilla with a 2-1 victory.
Inter Milan, however, relinquished the top spot in their group after a goalless draw against Real Sociedad.
Although both teams had already secured their passage to the Champions League knockout stage, it was the Spanish club that finished as Group winners.
With 14 teams already through to the knockout phase, the drama intensifies as only two slots remain up for grabs on the final day of group stage action on Wednesday.
The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the group stage, with teams vying for a coveted spot in the Round of 16. #Osimhen